Publix opens another GreenWise Market in South Carolina

Advancing its small-format store concept, Publix Super Markets today opened its fourth GreenWise Market, in Lexington, South Carolina.

Publix said Wednesday that the 21,400-square-foot store, at 5336 Sunset Blvd. in the Lexington Marketplace shopping center, marks its second GreenWise location in South Carolina. So far, the Florida-based supermarket chain has announced 12 GreenWise stores, which focus on specialty, natural and organic foods as well as local offerings.

Four of the dozen locations are outside Florida. Publix opened a 21,500-square-foot GreenWise in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, on May 23 and a 28,000-square-foot GreenWise on June 27 in Mountain Brook, Alabama. Also slated to open this year is a GreenWise store in Marietta, Georgia, though the company hasn’t given a timetable.

Photo: The "Care" section at the Lexington GreenWise Market focuses on health and wellness. (Photo courtesy of Publix)

Most recently, Publix announced plans to open a GreenWise Market in St. Augustine, the concept’s eighth Florida location, in 2021. Publix opened the first GreenWise store, a 29,000-square-foot outlet, in Tallahassee in October 2018.

Due to open next week, on Dec. 12, are GreenWise Markets in Lakeland (25,483 square feet, in the Lakeside Centre shopping center) and Boca Raton (27,750 square feet, in The Shoppes at Lake Miriam Crossing), Florida. The company also plans GreenWise locations for Fort Lauderdale, Odessa, Ponte Vedra Beach and Tampa, Florida. The Ponte Vedra Beach store is expected to open in 2020 and the Tampa store in 2021. Opening time frames haven’t been announced for the other stores.

“Our GreenWise Market team is very excited to bring this new shopping experience to Lexington and the greater Columbia community,” Publix President Kevin Murphy said in a statement. “Our customers can expect to find unique and local products, as well as a gathering place for small meetings.”

Like other GreenWise locations, the Lexington store is organized into “experience zones” labeled as “Eats,” “Finds,” “Care” and “Pours.” At the beverage bar, for example, customers can enjoy wine, local craft beer, kombucha, locally roasted coffee, tea, and smoothies. The new store also features a multi-panel, community-themed mural by local artist and architect Wayne Rogers.

Targeted at foodies and consumers following healthy lifestyles, GreenWise Markets offer house-made products like smoked meats and sausages, store-prepared meals and grab-and-go food (made with antibiotic-free meats and organic cheeses and including vegan options); gourmet treats; organic produce; body care products; natural vitamins and supplements; and bulk items. Customers can eat or drink in the store’s seating area or do so as they shop.

Shoppers, too, can sign up for GreenWise Market Rewards, a loyalty program that provides personalized offers and digital coupons. The rewards can be redeemed only at GreenWise stores.

Publix said it will continue to seek sites for more GreenWise stores across its Southeastern market area. Overall, the grocery retailer operates 1,239 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.